Ryszka Family

Laundry Room Organized!!

2010-02-15T13:01:00.001-08:00

Laundry Room is organized! Ya-Hooo! In total I filled two large black garbage bags of stuff to be pitched and a box full of things to donate. Again, it felt so good to take those bags out to the trash! Now it is time for decorating. For most people this would be the fun part, but for me I am terrified. I am looking for curtains for the window of the door, pictures, and maybe some hooks for coats and such. I will post pictures after I have gathered the courage to make the purchased and get things hung on the walls. Wish me luck!!

Also, I discovered a few things about my husband and I as I was finding things to keep and things to pitch. First, we enjoy shopping at Costco as evident by the paper products supplies and large containers of cleaning products. . . tee hee. Also, I found things that I remember moving from our old house almost four years ago. . things that hadn't been used since then either.

Second, I discovered that I also needed to organized under the kitchen sink ASAP. So, that is my next project. Here is a before picture. . .

I cleared everything out of the cupboard and threw A LOT away. I found things in there that are too gross to post!! I also got rid of the cleaning products that I bought, tried and decided that they didn't work. For example I bought Pledge wood floor cleaner that definitely doesn't work as well and the tried & true Murphy's Oil Soap!

So, here is where I am at now. . .

I emptied the cupboard and ripped up the nasty contact paper. I need to return a shelf organizer that I bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond that won't fit because of the garbage disposal. And, I need to buy new contact paper and a small basket for sponges and such. I also need to make sure all of this. . . fits back into the cupboard.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Until then, happy organizing!

Laundry Room Progress

2010-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Natalie went to Grandma Ryszka's for the weekend and Lily is in school all day everyday (sniff), so I had a few hours of uninterrupted organizing this afternoon. The process I am using for this project is pitch, donate, keep. I started in the back and I am working my way out of the room. I filled one large black garbage bag of stuff so far and I am only half way through. It felt so good to tie up that bag and take it out to the garage for garbage day! It felt like a weight was lifted and I can't wait to finish! For now here are the "after" photos of my progress so far. . .

Not sure if you can tell much of a difference in the craft cupboard, but I got rid of a lot of stuff. I was determined to make it all fit in that one space, so I donated two boxes of unused Play-Doh and tossed a few crafts that my kids weren't that interested in. Not sure how happy I am with the results yet. My biggest problem with it is the Pixos box. Natalie got it for Christmas and we still haven't played with it. I think we will be getting that out this week to check it out and see if we can find a better storage solution for the Pixos.

I plan to do the second half tomorrow and then work on decorating the space. I am NOT a decorator so this should be interesting and fun hopefully.

Organizing Home & Life

2010-02-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

I want to take time this winter to organize a few things around the house and a few things in my life. This year seems to have been kind of crazy. Not really sure where I lost control, but its time to reclaim my time and my energy. One of the best ways for me to do that is to get rid of the clutter. I am getting rid of the clutter in my schedule and the clutter around the house.

I spent time already re-prioritizing my schedule and I am feeling better about who I am and where I am suppose to be spending my time. I am a wife and mother first and foremost. The rest is frosting and I can add other activities again once I get some energy back.

There are a few areas around my house that are bothering me. My bedroom closet, my daughters closet, the laundry room, the basement (always) and the spice cupboard! I plan to post before and after pictures as I go from one spot to the next. Since I don't think anyone will read this, I am not going to worry about feeling bad posting the nasty before pictures. And, since I am such a procrastinator, I will start tomorrow.

Here are before pictures of the laundry room. . .

This should be interesting. . .maybe not for you, but it will be for me.

Lily's Ears Pierced

2009-04-20T15:41:00.001-07:00

He Is Risen In Deed!

2009-04-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the girls at church on Easter morning. The both sang so beautifully in church, but had a hard time sitting still (could have been the candy they ate for breakfast).

3 Days Later

2009-04-11T03:44:00.000-07:00

3 Days after our spring snow fall, here we are at the Detroit Zoo in sweatshirts & no coats! Just the day before the kids were in their snow pants, coats, mittens, etc building snowmen & sliding down the hill. That is life in Michigan.

First Day of Spring Break, April 2009

2009-04-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

The girls are enjoying their spring break in the snow this year. We woke up this morning to 4 inches of snow. They got their snowpants, boots, etc and had a snowball fight with Daddy & Vedder. Snow should be gone by Sunday, which is Easter. The temp should be in the 50's by the end of the week.

Will it ever be summer??

Mama Mia Crazy

2009-01-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

We are Mama Mia crazy at our house. Our girls know just about every word and are working on learning the dance moves. Check out Lily & Natalie dancing and singing their faces off . . .

"Is it Summer tomorrow?"

2009-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

Since the holidays are over a common question in our house lately is "Is it Summer tomorrow?". As you can see, my girls are looking forward to those warm lazy days of summer. And, who can blame them?! It was a balmy high of 10 degrees today in beautiful Milford, Michigan. It's so cold that ice is forming on the INSIDE of my front door. Yikes! However, there is hope. A sign at a local business read "only 9 more weeks until Spring". So, they only have a "little" longer to wait for warm weather.

Announcing Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Voltz

2008-10-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

We had the awesome opportunity to witness our dear friends get married in October. They are a wonderful and loving couple. Two of the dearest friends anyone could ask for. It is always wonderful to watch two people commit their lives to each other, but this was extra special. They had a destination wedding in Hawaii with their family and close friends. We were blessed to be able to attend. This was our first destination wedding and I can tell you it was amazing. Not just because it was in Hawaii, but because we were able to really get to know their family and other friends from around the country. Melissa found an amazing condo complex the was just the right size so that most of her party could stay together. It was wonderful to wake up each morning with coffee and great conversation by the private pool. At night we would gather for big dinners, more wonderful conversation and amazing sunsets. The main event was the most beautiful and touching wedding I have ever witnessed. The bride, of course, looked gorgeous. The beach was beautiful too. The ceremony was perfect and happy tears were in every eye.

Thank you Jeremy & Melissa for allowing us to witness the beginning of your marriage! We wish you every blessing!

2008-07-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhh . . . Summer vacation in northern Michigan! We went camping at Higgins Lake over the 4th of July. The weather was amazing and everyone had a lot of fun! The Roscommon fireworks ROCKED. For a small town they sure know how to put on an awesome fireworks!

Meatloaf Night at the Ryszka's

2008-01-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

I love meatloaf. And, I have been trying to make it so my family will like it too. I've probably tried 10 different recipes. I've tried everything from Pops' (my father-in-law) mushroom gravy recipe to Tyler's Ultimate Meatloaf and everything in between. I have even tried different variations of each. I can try as hard as I want but my family still HATES meatloaf! They cry and groan (especial the hubby) and give me all sorts of grief! But, they always eat it.

So here is to Meatloaf Night at the Ryszka's . . . May the family some night say "Mom this is delicious, the best meatloaf ever, make it always please" And, then maybe, just maybe, I will stop making it.

Guitar Heros!

2008-01-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

We had two of the most awesome friends over for New Years Eve. It was so nice to talk, laugh & enjoy each others company. After some food, the boys played guitar hero and they graciously let us chicks have a turn. What a riot! We laughed at ourselves and had a great time rock'n out! But, I don't remember what song we did?? Whatever it was, we rocked it and had a blast! Thanks Meg and Carl for a great New Years!

Snow Day

2008-01-02T06:26:00.001-08:00

We woke up to 12 inches of snow on New Years Day. It was a relaxing day with the most beautiful winter wonderland to look at outside. The kids are sick with colds, so it was a great day to sleep in, take naps and just lay on the couch all day. The girls both took long naps, so Ryan and I got to watch Michigan win the Capital One Bowl game together on the couch (Go Blue). It took me back to the first time we spent New Years Day alone together. Ryan was working in Reno, Nevada right after graduating from college. We spent the day snuggled on the couch with a fire in the fire place and watched football all day. It was a great memory of us dating and totally in love. It's been 8 years since that day and as we were snugged on the couch this year, I was reminded of that day and how much more I love him now. I just love moments like this. . . I can just live in the moment and be thankful for all God has given.

When I was young I remember my parents having friends over with lots of food and football and it was fun. I think I may want to do that sometime later, but for now my favorite thing to do on New Years day is to stay in my jammies, eat, watch football and relax with my hubby and my girls. What is your favorite thing to do on New Years Day?

Ahhh Relaxation!

2007-12-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have appreciated relaxing more than after the mania of Christmas. Yesterday and today have been filled by doing anything I want or nothing at all. Of course, there are kids to be fed, dressed, played with, and diapers to be changed, but I don't HAVE to clean the house, cook big meals, or be anywhere at any specific time. In fact it is 11:30 am and I am still in my jammies and robe. At least the kids are fed and dressed and now eating lunch (and fighting as usual). I think I may even go to the gym just because I can. Come to think of it, I have been very productive around here today. I did some bible study, picked up & vacuumed the kids room and did some laundry. So much for relaxing, but maybe relaxing isn't about sitting on my butt eating bon-bons. Maybe it is more about having fun doing was I love. . . being wife, mother, homemaker. Take some time today to enjoy the little things in life and the things that make you happy.

Cheers!

Christmas Miracle

2007-12-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you were able to celebrate the birth of our Lord in new and meaningful ways.

I was praying just before Christmas for God to show up in some big way. I was praying for a miracle. I wanted to see something that could only be God. Kinda selfish of me and bold to ask God to show me something big, but I figured I can at least ask. I forgot about my prayer in the hustle and craziness of running to family gatherings and such. And last night when I finally got a moment to sit down and check email God was there. I can't do what I saw justice without posting it here for you to read yourself. I hope my neighbor won't mind. . . .

Introducing Olivia Grace. . .

"I hope you are all sitting down........... We were truly blessed this Christmas with the most special of presents.......our baby girl was born on Christmas Eve @ 12:21 pm at Huron Valley Hospital!!!!

It was a complete surprise to us when our adoption agency phoned us at my in laws house to tell us to come to the hospital to meet her!! We brought her home on Christmas day.

She is doing just great and Zachary is beside himself with delight!!

Her stats..... 6lbs 13.5 oz - 20" long

It truly shows that God does have a plan...we just need to have faith to let it play out!!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!!"

Congratulations Kim and Art on your Christmas miracle and the birth of your daughter! Like Kathleen says. . God Rocks!

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Our babies were little pumpkins! Grandma Fox made these adorable costumes. They both had a lot of fun and got lots of candy. Natalie stayed home with me to pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters while Lily went around the neighborhood with Daddy. It was all over by 8 and they were in bed by 9. I would say that is success!

Alliance Computer Services

2007-09-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that my husband started a small computer consulting company a few years ago called Your IT Guy. It started as friends and friends of friends who needed computer help. Since then word of his talents has spread to point where he is getting bigger clients and better jobs. He felt compelled to change the name to Alliance Computer Services as he works with an amazing graphic artist and another software developer. Now I get to join in the fun. I am going to be doing sales and marketing and acting as office manager. We are both really excited for this new adventure. We are praying for Gods continued guidance for our business and our family. For more information check us out at www.alliancecomputerservices.net

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

2007-09-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I received this email from a friend and neighbor this morning. It has moved me to post and to DO something. So here it is. . . .hopefully you will be moved to DO something too.

Hello ladies-

Michelle (my sister) was finally able to come for a visit over Labor Day weekend and so i got to see her beautiful new baby girl who is just too sweet for words, and also to finally see Brodie who is at this time totally cancer free (praise God) and acts and plays like a very happy and healthy "almost" three year old!!

I know Michelle continues to feel so touched and truly blessed by the out pouring of prayers and kindness everyone showed her and her family during this very difficult time. I too thank all of you for your prayers, support and concern.

See you all next week!
God is good! Kathie

It is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month and one year ago this was the farthest thing from my mind. This year I have a great burden in my heart to make people aware of just how close to home and deadly this disease can be. Most of you have walked with us in the miraculous healing of our precious little 2 year old Brodie. Our gracious God spared his life and we had some awesome doctors and nurses that cared for him. We don't focus our lives on this, but the cancer can come back and we are eternally grateful for the time we have with Brodie. There are thousands of other kids battling cancer and 46 others every day who will be added to that list. There is so much that you can do to help. I have given you some options below, I challenge you to do just one, but it would be easy to do more!
Please take a little time and watch this video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM

http://www.curesearch.org/ This site has all kinds of information about childhood cancer. It has information on a bill known as Conquer Childhood Cancer 2007. Which will provide $30 million dollars each year for 5 years to be used to research and develop new treatment options. It also has a section where you can send a letter (already formated with text) to your representatives, senators and all political officials. Yes, I said the letter is already written, all you have to do is know your name, address and zip code...it basically does the rest for you. You say you don't know your senator, representative, govenor it does it for you as well!

http://www.redcross.org/ You could donate blood or platelets. Most hospitals have their own blood banks where you can also donate if that would be closer and easier! These kids need these to survive and blood banks typically are in short supply!

http://www.marrow.org/ This site can give you more information on how to be on the national registry to be a bone marrow donor. This too saves lives!

http://www.loneliestroad.org/ This final site that I will ask you to visit is for a group of 5 fathers riding across America to raise money and awareness of a horrible childhood cancer known as neuroblastoma. Of course all cancers are horrible, but little Taylor Love was diagnosed the same time as Brodie, and she and her family hold a special place in our hearts. Please check it out and be praying for their journey.

During this month of Childhood Cancer Awareness, I want people to know that every day 46 children are diagnosed with some form of cancer. That is about 2 classrooms full of school kids every day. Each year close to 3,000 children die from cancer. When we started having kids I NEVER thought our kids would have any major illness, we both came from long lines of healthy genes. It can happen to anyone!

Please make a difference, send a letter, donate blood, bone marrow, time, prayer or money. Do something to help these kids. Prayer is what sustains us as a family! God has created amazing people like doctors, nurses and researchers that work extremely hard to save our children. They need our prayers and support! If all you can do is pass this along to someone else, that would be great too! Just do something before deleting this message!

Thank you and I pray for God's blessings upon you and your family!
Michelle

Phone Answering Etiquette

2007-09-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

I called a new friend yesterday to receive a pleasant greeting. She answered the phone like this (names changed) . . . "Hello, Smith Residence, Jane speaking." I was a little shocked, but in a great way! That was how I was raised to answer the phone. What happened to manners and proper etiquette? I can't tell you how many times I have called someone to hear them finishing a fast food order or conversation, loud music, or just "what up?" Or my personal favorite "yo bee-ahhhch!" So, don't be surprised the next time you call me when I say "Hello, Ryszka Residence, Julie speaking"! I am continuing the good manners movement.

"Zucchini"

2007-09-05T09:35:00.001-07:00

Lily calls her bathing suit a "zucchini". Of course I assume she is trying to say bikini, but it is too cute to correct her! We went to the beach in Grand Haven, Michigan with my sister, brother-in-law and the kids. They had a BLAST! I love Lake Michigan! The air is crisp and refreshing, the sand is warm and soft and the sun is amazing!

Good Stuff!

2007-08-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

My Grandma turned 80 years old last week. She is healthy and beautiful and has a positive outlook on life and love. All of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were there to celebrate her birthday and she was simply glowing. You could see the joy, happiness and sense of contentment on her face all day. It was great to see relatives and friends that we haven't seen in years. There were kids who are barely kids anymore and babies to remind all of us of the renewal and cycles of life. I was reminded of the importance of family and friends and how important it is to cherish relationships. Thank you Grandma, for the many ways you remind me of life and love. It was a beautiful day and one I will cherish.

Why are kids so mean?

2007-06-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

My Lily is 3 years old. And ALREADY is dealing with "mean girls". How is it that 3 year olds already have that cattiness and cruelty built into their play time? Lily seems to handle it well, I am the one who wants to do battle, cry, and rescue my baby from the nastiness of the world. Instead, I bite my tounge, choke back my tears, and let her handle it. But it sucks. I know my kid isn't innocent either! She can be just as wicked. And I won't tolerate it! I get all "mommy dearest" on her and let her know that it is unacceptable to treat her friends that way. But, am I teaching her to be a wussy? I know I have blogged about this other places, but it is a battle. I want her to stand up for herself yet be respectful, nice, kind. Is that possible??

GRRRR!

2007-05-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and its NOT starting off well! Wan, Wan, Wan, Wan, WAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN! Kids are being BAD, and everyone is starting to loose it Me, husband and even my parents, everyone is crazy!! So here's a big online scream at the world . . . . . . . . . AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

There! That feels better!

Salt Shaker vs. Pepper Shaker

2007-04-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

We recently went to a friends house for dinner. I picked up the salt shaker for my food and out came pepper!! When I told my husband that they have pepper in the salt shaker and vis versa he said . . . "no, we have it wrong" WHAT!! So, what do ya'll say. . .does the salt go in the shaker with more holes or less holes????

65 and SUNNY? "YIPPIEE, WHOO-WHOO!"

2007-03-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Can it be? Is that the sun? Is it really warm enough to go outside w/out a coat? HOORAY! There will be no house work today my friends! It is a play day! Grab some play clothes and lets hit the parks!

We were leaving for pre-school this morning and Lily says "Can we play outside?" I said "Yes!" She shouted. . "YIPPIEE, WHOO-WHOO!" And I couldn't agree with her more!

Scrap'n Bed & Breakfast Syle!

2007-03-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so invites are going out tomorrow! But for those of you who actually visit our blog here is the story. . .

You are invited for a weekend of
Relaxation, Girl Time, and
Scrapbook’n Til You Drop!

Where:
The Gathering Place of White Lake
Bed & Breakfast

When:
Friday, April 27, 2007 @ 3:00pm
To Sunday, April 29, 2007 @ 3:00pm

Cost:
$175.00
Includes accommodations at a beautiful & cozy bed & breakfast, 6 home-cooked meals, plenty of room to scrapbook in a cozy croproom, and relax in a big, beautiful claw-foot tub!

Professional Spa Services are available upon request. Call for pricing.

This wonderful girls weekend is only available to 9 lucky ladies. Deposit of $87.50 is required to reserve your spot. So, be one of the first 8 ladies to send in your check to me!

Love,
Jules

More Details on Scrapbook Weekend

2007-02-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

There has been some good response on the scrapbook weekend, and you want more details. So this is just rough details. . we are working out exact cost and location. . but this is what we are thinking. .

1. Cost = No more than $125: includes hotel rooms for 2 nights, conference room, all meals, door prizes.

2. Location = Novi, Farmington, Commerce or Brighton. . .looking into hotels now.

3. That is about it until I get a location nailed down.

Let me know what you think!
Jules

Scrapbook Weekend

2007-02-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Who is up for a scrapbook weekend at a hotel with comfy warm beds, hot tubs, good food, cosmos and FUN, FUN, FUN? How about April 27 - 29? Who's in?

Look for more information to come!